Mevagh Parish has always been desperate for a playground , a lot of attempts had been made previously but not successful. So in August 2014 a meeting was organised by Moving Mevagh Forward to see if there was any community interest in a playground . From there we The Mevagh Playground Fundraising Committee were formed.
The playground site was generously provided by the Sheephaven Credit Union .. All we had to do was get the funds together to make the dream a reality ! We applied to the Departement of Arts , Gaeltacht & Heritage for funding as we are Gaeltacht community . In the mean time we began fundraising with a bucket collection , a tea party , a coffee morning , a card drive , a very successful COME DINE WITH ME & prize draw , we also received generous donations from local business’ & events , we successfully managed to raise slightly over €21000!
September 2015 we were sanctioned a grant of €48615 by Gaeltacht Minister (at the time) Joe Mc Hugh . So the wheels were finally in motion . There was a lot of various paperwork to deal with to ensure everything is completed corrected . However , in August 2016 the awarded contractor began work on the site installing the equipment .
The first phase is now complete , the next phase will be the wetpour . It is such an exciting time for the parish as Mevagh has waited so long for a playground for the children , the end is in sight. The majority of the playground equipment selected is all inclusive , to allow all children access & use of the facility .
Unfortunately , our fundraising isn’t complete we still have a bit more fundraising to do ; we have set up a crowdfunding page to allow people from the parish who live outside the area to donate , we also welcome donations from visitors or anyone willing to support this project .and also we have organised a barn dance in Glen Valley on 29th Oct with music by Paul McCahill .
We are hopeful that both these fundraising initiatives are successful , which will ensure the playground is completed with no additional delays . The playground will be an asset to the area , promoting tourism & encouraging visitors to stop off & make use of local business’.
The fundraising committee are so grateful to everyone who has supported Mevagh Playground to date , and urge everyone to spread the news to ensure we reach the target & Mevagh Playground is completed & open to the children of the community & visiting children .
The Mevagh playground will be maintained jointly by The local community group Moving Mevagh Forward and Donegal County Council and without their assistance this project could not have proceeded. Special thanks to Moving Mevagh Forward and Eamon Boyle senior engineer donegal county council and to architect Francey McHugh.
The fundraising committee would like to Thank everyone for supporting this worthy cause & look forward to the continued support.
You can donate to Mevagh playground here.
Words by Sarah McGroddy
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